Princess Anne Middle School
2015-2016 Class Expectations
Teacher: Ms. Martin
School Telephone Number: (757) 648-4950 x72029
Class: Independent Reading for Middle School Students
Email address: nmmartin@vbschools.com
Assignment Information: Access my Edmodo page at Edmodo.com and wiki space at http://pams-martin.wikispaces.com/ to get
information on your child’s assignments or any current information, updates or announcements concerning this course.
Course Description: Independent Reading is a course designed to assist students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 who are not reading at grade
level. This course is split between two tiers in the form of Read 180 and System 44. System 44 supports fundamental reading
development. Read 180 is a tier above System 44 and supports reading comprehension and writing. Both include reading fluency,
accuracy, comprehension and writing, but the focus is different depending on the student’s readiness level. The course objective is to
raise the student’s reading ability by administering individualized reading instruction in five key areas: phonological awareness and
decoding, reading fluency and word recognition, vocabulary and phrase meanings, reading comprehension and writing in response to
text.
Course Scope and Sequence: Instruction is driven by areas of student deficiency with attention to students’ individual reading
needs and learning styles. Instruction includes phonological awareness that includes word attack and word analysis strategies,
understanding the elements of literature, comprehension skills strategies, using computer technology, kinesthetic activities, critical
thinking, and writing as an extension of the thought process.
Texts and Materials: One key tool utilized in the Independent Reading classroom is Read 180 Next Generation. It is a
comprehensive research-based reading intervention program that consists of a three-pronged approach to target reading weaknesses.
These three components consist of Instructional Technology using leveled computer software, teacher directed Small Group
Instruction, and Independent Reading of novels. It constantly assesses student reading strengths and weaknesses, and informs
instruction in all components of the Read 180/System 44 classroom. Texts central to the programs are: Decodable Digest (System 44),
Workbook (System 44), rBook (Read 180) rBook Flex (Read 180), paperbacks and audio books, in addition to a classroom library
spanning a wide variety of genres. Hands-on activities and state-of-the-art technology are also employed to research ideas, to build
background knowledge, to increase student interest and participation, to differentiate, and overall, to make learning fun and interesting
while acknowledging the ways students learn in the 21st century.
Assessment Measures: Technology-based tests, Read 180 and System 44 skills-based assignments, tests and quizzes will be given.
In addition, and more importantly, exercises will be geared to challenge thinking and understanding of skills and concepts. The
student will be continually given opportunities to be a successful learner as assessment will be ongoing. However, formal assessment
of student progress will be administered at the beginning of the school year, at mid-year and at the end of each semester.
Grading Procedures and Policies: Technology-based tests, R180 and System 44 skills-based assignments, teacher tests/quizzes,
written responses to texts, technology-based projects and exercises designed to show student mastery of concepts will be the main
criteria used for grading purposes. All work produced by the student will be weighted equally, and out of 100. Princess Anne Middle
School is implementing an academic detention program for teachers to utilize with students who fail to complete assigned work.
Teachers will issue academic detention to students who fail to complete classwork, homework, or other assignments for the
Wednesday following the week in which the work was due. Wednesday detentions will be held from 4:00-5:30 PM, and parents will be
notified of the detention via an AlertNow email. The purpose of the academic detention is to notify parents of missing assignments and
to ensure students complete and return work considered important to the learning process. Therefore, students will have until the day
of the assigned detention to submit work owed. Those who do will not have to serve the detention. Students who must serve detention
will be required to complete the work owed during that time frame. Keep in mind these academic detentions will not become part of a
student’s disciplinary record.
In continuing our partnership with parents, the School/Net Parent Portal is a powerful online tool for parents and guardians to
monitor their child’s progress in school. Best of all, it can be accessed from any computer connected to the internet—24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Parents will have access to important current school year information such as grades, attendance records, student
assignments, missing assignments, and notes from your child’s teacher about assignments.
Help Sessions: When a student is not performing on grade level, the parent will be contacted and apprised of the situation. Contact
is also made with the student’s core teachers or case manager to reinforce skills and solve hindrances to success. When available,
students are encouraged to stay for tutoring after school for additional help.
P. A. Middle- a school where every child achieves
Procedures for conferences, parental contacts: As the Read i80 teacher, I will meet with core teachers, Guidance, the School
Improvement Specialist, other faculty members, and parents to respond to the needs of the student. Formal parent/teacher
conferences can be arranged so that the parent is always informed of the measures being taken to address his/her child’s academic
deficits through our school guidance counselor or by contacting me by email or telephone.
Citizenship Expectations: It is expected that all students will follow the Code of Student Conduct as outlined by the school division.
In addition, it is expected that students will come prepared for class with a pen or pencil along with their willingness to learn and
enthusiasm. . I stress the fact that education is important; that our children belong to a community of young people who will be
tomorrow’s leaders; that to be able to read well is crucial to who you become.
Class Materials: Students will need to bring a pencil to class daily. All other material will be given to them to include a 1 inch binder
and folder to use in class to compile their work. They may choose to bring in their own earbuds for computer use. I will store their
binders and folders in the classroom and use them to collect data and show student progress and writing skills.
Student Technology Usage: Please access the PAMS website under “In the News” to learn more about the PAMS “Bring Your Own
Device Policy” (BYOD). As we transition toward more online work, students are invited to bring devices such as laptops, tablets and
smart phones. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR STUDENTS TO OWN/BRING SUCH A DEVICE in order to work online. We provide
computers in class as often as possible. In addition, whenever homework requires technology, students may use school computers
during our Homework Lab (7:40-9 AM & 4-5:40 PM). We will also be making increased use of Edmodo.com. Students will
establish new accounts for PAMS, and parents will receive instructions on how to access their student’s particular page.
Parent/Student tear-off:
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Please return to Ms. Martin, Room 410.
Class Expectations 2015/2016:
I have read and understood the class expectations for Independent Reading and will make every effort to succeed.
____________________________________________________
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Student’s Signature
Date
I have reviewed these expectations and will support the teacher in the delivery of instruction.
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Parent’s Signature
Parent’s Email:
Parent’s Telephone: (H):
___________________________
Date
(Cell):
P. A. Middle- a school where every child achieves